Potty Training Twins... HELP!

[theyOWNme]

So my DD's are 2 1/2, and I originally tried potty training them together when they turned 2 and it wasn't happening. Alina gets it, but only if she has nothing on. If she's barebottom, then she'll wait until I take her to the bathroom. IF she even just has a pair of panties on she'll go on herself. Alex just doens't get it. She tells me she has to go but doesn't do anything on the potty. Them when she goes back to the living room she goes all over the carpet. =(

I've decided maybe finish off Alina and when she's done Alex may want to join her? Should I still try doing it together? Any suggestions for Alina?

HELP!

[Llyra]

The one who will only potty when naked-- that's a pretty common stage. All three of my kids went through that, where if they had anything on at all they'd treat it like a diaper, but if they were bare, they could potty. It passes, with a lot of patience and some time. It's about unlearning an old habit (of releasing the bladder and bowels freely) and learning a new one (holding it until you get to the bathroom.) Being bare is a reminder, and so they find it easier to remember. Being consistent-- not putting the child back in diapers-- can help a child in that situation, because it's easier for the new habit to "stick" if you are consistent. But it can take time.

As for the one who wants to potty, but isn't, and is then having accidents-- that twin may just need more time. Let her try, but maybe put a diaper on her afterward. I wouldn't want to see a child get frustrated.

My twins learned a full year apart from each other. DD2 was 22 months, but DS didn't start until he was 34 months. FWIW, DS learned a lot quicker, once we started.

[Red Pajama]

My boys didn't get it at the same rate. One took longer to start, but figured the whole thing out sooner. My best advice is treat them as individuals, knowing that one may be in diapers much longer than the other. Then you can be pleasantly surprised if something else occurs.
Good luck.